April is a time to celebrate one of life’s greatest gifts, libraries. This year, National Library Week is April 6 through April 12, 2025. The American Library Association (ALA,) which sponsors the celebration states that the yearly event highlights, “the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.” Today, I’ll share the many benefits of public libraries and 5 simple ways you can celebrate and support your local branch.
Benefits of Public Libraries
A library is a house of hope. It’s a place where we all, whatever our situation, can feed our ideas and develop our dreams.” – Doug Wilhelm
Libraries are a hub for educational resources, social engagement, and access to information. They are often referred to as valuable “third places” in our communities. Ray Oldenburg, an American sociologist, coined the term “third places” to describe comfortable and welcoming spaces used for gathering and socializing that aren’t a person’s home (first place) or workplace (second place.) Libraries are free spaces that people can visit without having to spend money to enter, hang out, and browse. They have endless books for children and adults with extensive collections for every age group. Plus they offer toys and programs like group storytime, crafts, and games. Additionally, the library staff is incredibly helpful in researching and locating books on various topics and can make excellent recommendations.
Here are some other benefits of public libraries:
- Free Digital Resources: Libraries provide WiFi computer access, audiobooks, educational apps, and digital literacy classes or programs.
- Printing/Copying Services: They offer access to low-cost printers and copy machines. Some libraries even have a notary public on staff as well.
- Programming for Adults and Children: Libraries provide workshops and classes for all ages. For example, story/craft times, ESL courses, health and wellness workshops, resume writing classes, career counseling, tax filing help, tutoring and homework help services, etc. In addition, libraries often host concerts, movie and game nights, art exhibits, book clubs, and even fitness classes.
- Promote Community and Connectedness: Libraries are a welcome space for ALL community members– no matter their status or background. Their programming allows people to join together and collaborate. In addition, they offer a wide range of materials that represent diverse voices, experiences, and viewpoints. This promotes empathy and inclusion and allows individuals to learn about and understand different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
5 Ways to Celebrate Public Libraries
We can all agree that libraries are incredible community spaces. They deserve to be celebrated all year long. But, here are just a few ways to celebrate National Library Week.
- Visit your local branch and sign up for a library card!
- Browse books, DVDs, and more at your local branch. Don’t forget to sign up for a library card and have your child sign up for their own too.
- Participate in library programming and events.
- I can’t even name all of the wonderful events that my local branch hosts throughout the year. I bring my toddler to weekly storytime sessions which are great for literacy and social-emotional development. I also participate in library fundraisers like our yearly book sale. Check out your library’s monthly calendar for more information about what’s offered in your neighborhood.
- Explore your library’s free digital resources.
- Host a family reading night!
- Find a cozy spot at home to read all of the books you’ve borrowed. I often talk about the importance of modeling the behavior we’d like to see in our children. So, what better way to cultivate a love of reading than by reading together as a family? Please check out my 10 tips for an engaging read-aloud experience to make your reading night an entertaining one!
- Thank Your Library Staff
- Finally, write thank you cards or letters and drop them off to your local library staff! Don’t forget to write a letter to your child’s school librarian too because April is also National School Library Month!
Conclusion
I’ve always been a fan of public libraries. I still have cherished memories of borrowing books as a child. But, I never truly appreciated just how special they were until I reached adulthood. Now, I celebrate my library by regularly visiting my local branch. I’ve saved thousands of dollars borrowing high-quality children’s books over the years–as a teacher and a mom. In fact, I frequently replenish my classroom and home libraries multiple times a month.
Unfortunately, libraries have been caught in the political crosshairs recently as they face book ban challenges and cuts to federal funding. Therefore, I ask you to consider advocating for public libraries by contacting your elected officials, supporting library fundraising campaigns, and joining your local branch’s Friends of the Library group.
The benefits of public libraries are endless! They are havens of knowledge and community for children and adults. Make sure to celebrate and support them year-round! Tell me why you love public libraries in the comments below!
SAVE TO PINTEREST
